YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Young Harris College has announced the hiring of Ed Schaeffer as Head Athletic Trainer, Vice President for Athletics and Student Engagement Emily Carella announced.

Schaeffer brings a diverse background in athletic training, sports medicine, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement to the Mountain Lions after serving in collegiate athletics, secondary education, and military performance settings.

"One of the most important responsibilities we have in athletics is ensuring our student-athletes are cared for both on and off the field," stated Emily Carella. "From the moment I met Ed, I knew he understood that responsibility. His knowledge, professionalism, and passion for athletic training are exceptional, but what stood out most was his genuine desire to build relationships and become part of our community. Ed is the kind of person who will make our student-athletes feel supported, our coaches feel confident, and our campus stronger. We are incredibly excited to welcome him to Young Harris and look forward to the impact he will have on our Mountain Lion family."

Schaeffer joins Young Harris after serving as a Resident Athletic Trainer with UF Health's Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute from 2024-26, where he was the Head Athletic Trainer at Newberry High School in Florida. In that role, he worked alongside the team physician to provide medical services, treatment plans, rehabilitation programs, and preventative care for more than 320 student-athletes while coordinating physician referrals, managing medical records, and overseeing athletic training operations.

During his time at Newberry High School, Schaeffer helped support several championship programs, including district championship football in 2024, district championship women's basketball in 2025, and back-to-back district championship men's basketball teams in 2025 and 2026.

Prior to his time in Florida, Schaeffer worked with the United States Air Force Special Operations Command's 27th Special Operations Wing in Clovis, New Mexico, from 2023-24 as an Athletic Trainer within the Preservation of the Force and Family Human Performance Program. Working alongside physical therapists and strength and conditioning specialists, he provided rehabilitative care and performance enhancement services for Airmen while developing individualized treatment and return-to-performance plans.

During that time, Schaeffer also served as a Part-Time Assistant Athletic Trainer at Eastern New Mexico University, providing sports medicine coverage and care for football, men's basketball, women's basketball, and baseball student-athletes.

Before relocating to New Mexico, Schaeffer served as an Assistant Athletic Trainer and Student Aid Coordinator at Albion College from 2017-23. During his tenure, he worked extensively with football, swimming and diving, women's lacrosse, men's lacrosse, track and field, men's tennis, men's soccer, women's soccer, and women's basketball while overseeing student aid operations within the athletic training department.

While at Albion, Schaeffer was part of a women's lacrosse program that captured the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament Championship in 2019. He also worked with swimming and diving teams that won Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

"I am truly grateful to the administration and coaching staff for the opportunity to join the Young Harris College Athletic Department as Head Athletic Trainer," said Schaeffer. "What excites me most about this position is the opportunity to work with student-athletes and coaches in a community that values growth, success, and student well-being.

"I am passionate about helping athletes succeed not only in their sport but also in the classroom and in life. Young Harris stood out to me because it is a place where I can make a meaningful impact, support student-athletes in their development, and contribute to a strong campus community. I hope to bring positive leadership, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to providing high-quality care that supports both the athletic training staff and the student-athletes we serve.

"I am beyond excited to join the Mountain Lion family and look forward to building relationships, supporting our teams, and becoming an active member of the Young Harris community."

A native of Edwardsville, Illinois, Schaeffer earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2016 and his Master of Science in Athletic Training in 2017 from Adrian College. He earned his Doctorate of Athletic Training from the University of Florida in April 2026.

Schaeffer is a Board of Certification-certified athletic trainer and holds multiple certifications in the Graston Technique, including Graston M1, Graston M2, and Graston Technique Specialist credentials.

Schaeffer will officially begin his role as Head Athletic Trainer at Young Harris College on June 1, 2026.